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View Full Version : Planning March 2014 NOBO Thru. Need help on gear shakedown.



cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 12:37
Hi, Im new to WB and just recently started planning my March 2014 thru hike. Ive been backpacking for a little over a year but have invested a good amount of time and effort into getting my system right.The longest trips I've taken to date are around 3-55 day trips so I'm worried I might be missing something that would work better for a thru hike on the AT. I intentionally left out a couple of clothing items such as a hat, shirt and insulating layer. I have not decided what Im going to buy to fill these roles. I also have a toiletries bag with tooth brush sport glide Dr bronners etc wich weighs 6 oz. Any advice will be appreciated.




Item

Name
Weight


Shelter
TT Moment DW
35.00


Pack
GG Vapor Trail reg.
35.00


Bag Liner
Silk Mummy
8.00


Sleeping Bag
Zpacks 30 D
15.00


Sleeping Pad
Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Wr
11.00


Rain Jacket
Columbia
10.00


Ground cloth
Cut down Eureka
5.80


Stove
MSR Pocket Rocket with case
3.90


Light Source
Princeton Remix headlamp
2.70


Water filter
Sawyer squeeze
3.50


Survival tin
Homemade, variable weight
0.00


Compass
Ndur with directions sheet
0.00


Water Bottle
Platypus 1 liter and .5 liter
1.60


Fire source
Bic Lighter x2
1.00


Socks
Darn tough x2
5.00


first aid kit
Homemade, variable weight
5.00


Cooking pot
Vargo 750 ml with cozy and sack
5.40


Pack liner
compactor bag
2.00


Spoon
Sea to Summit alloy long handle
0.50


Total Weight

9.4

cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 12:58
Please ignore any items with a weight of "0.00" next to them. This is real time gear list, so any items that are zeroed out are because I don't plan on taking them on the AT.

cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 13:29
P.S. I meant 3-5 day trips not 55 lol.

coach lou
06-02-2013, 14:45
Hey Marine, you out yet or gettin' out soon?

cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 14:48
Hey Marine, you out yet or gettin' out soon?

Getting out in December. Cant wait. Its going to be culture shock all over again going from the Corps to hiking the AT on my own schedule with no one to answer to. It will be liberating to say the least.

coach lou
06-02-2013, 14:56
Getting out in December. Cant wait. Its going to be culture shock all over again going from the Corps to hiking the AT on my own schedule with no one to answer to. It will be liberating to say the least.

Take your time, don't rush.......anything. Enjoy life.....in January it gets easy! Semper Fi!

cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 15:06
I plan on enjoying every minute of it! Thanks for the words of wisdom.

cjlusmc
06-02-2013, 20:57
Any one have any comments, concerns, advise?

Venchka
06-02-2013, 21:18
What? Tell a Marine what to do? I don't thinlk so.
On the other hand...
Have you read about weather and trail conditions in March? 2013 was interesting. Full winter gear, snowshoes, etc.
Thank you for your service. Enjoy your hike.

Wayne

cjlusmc
06-03-2013, 13:14
I haven't looked into previous weather conditions but I will now that you mentioned it. Snow shoes? How long did this last? are these kind of conditions common in the mountains in GA?

bigcranky
06-03-2013, 13:57
This year was unusual. Normal March conditions are cold nights, cool to warm days, and a couple of winter storms (on average.) The Smokies are generally colder and wetter. I'd be prepared for the occasional night in the mid teens. (Actually, what I would do is start in mid-April, but that's just me...)

List looks good. As long as you've been happy with it on 3-5 day hikes, it'll work for a thru -- which, after all, is a series of 4 or 5 day hikes strung together. You'll probably end up wanting some more water carrying capacity as the springs dry up in the summer.

Have fun, and yeah it is different. Take it easy.

cjlusmc
06-03-2013, 14:30
Thanks for the info on the weather. I'm fine hiking in the cold, I prefer it over the heat as long as I'm not slogging through snow. I wanted to leave early to avoid the crowds as much as possible. I'm thinking about using the evernew bladders with drinking tube. anyone know if that tube kit will fit a platypus?

fireneck
06-03-2013, 22:38
Good list.

I'd ditch the pocket rocket case and use a bandana to warp it up in and put it in your cook pot (if it fits).

Lone Wolf
06-03-2013, 22:42
I'd ditch the pocket rocket case and use a bandana to warp it up in and put it in your cook pot (if it fits).

the case weighs nothing. what kinda advice is that?

cjlusmc
06-04-2013, 04:40
It won't fit in with my canister and the only thing I want to carry two two of is mini bics. I'll already have a bandana on my shoulder strap. It want a bad thought though

Firefighter503
06-04-2013, 05:56
Looks like a pretty solid list so far. You mention that you don't have hat, insulating layer, etc. yet. Given any thought to it at all? Down or synthetic? Checkout www.blackrockgear.com for a down beanie if interested, and www.montbell.us for down jackets.

I have a bunch of USMC ARFF buddies out of Cherry Point. Thanks for your service.

cjlusmc
06-04-2013, 14:36
Looks like a pretty solid list so far. You mention that you don't have hat, insulating layer, etc. yet. Given any thought to it at all? Down or synthetic? Checkout www.blackrockgear.com for a down beanie if interested, and www.montbell.us for down jackets.

I have a bunch of USMC ARFF buddies out of Cherry Point. Thanks for your service.

Hat I have covered. I want to go as light a possible but be comfortable so I'll probably do a wool base layer with a medium weight fleece for insulation with a wind/rain resistant later on top. Any have any good high quality wool base layers to recommend-preferably with a partial zipper in front?

Sunwolf
06-06-2013, 02:02
Hat I have covered. I want to go as light a possible but be comfortable so I'll probably do a wool base layer with a medium weight fleece for insulation with a wind/rain resistant later on top. Any have any good high quality wool base layers to recommend-preferably with a partial zipper in front?

For a medium-weight base layer, check out the Ibex indie hoodie. It is arguably my favorite all-around piece of gear, period.

coach lou
06-06-2013, 07:06
[QUOTE=cjlusmc;1481170]Hat I have covered.


;) Ha Ha.............as you can see in most of my pics........I have my cover on my lid while hiking...................no starch!

cjlusmc
06-06-2013, 16:52
For a medium-weight base layer, check out the Ibex indie hoodie. It is arguably my favorite all-around piece of gear, period.

I will almost certainly be getting that hoodie after checking it out. The only thing I'm not sure about is the thumb holes for the sleeves. How warm would you say that hoodie is?

Sunwolf
06-07-2013, 00:51
I will almost certainly be getting that hoodie after checking it out. The only thing I'm not sure about is the thumb holes for the sleeves. How warm would you say that hoodie is?

Warmth is a subjective thing but if the winds are calm I can hike/snowshoe in the Colorado rockies down to the 20's. However, when I stop I quickly add another layer; it's easier to stay warm than to get warm. When in doubt, pack too much. You can always send stuff home.

The thumb holes are one of my favorite features. After about 10 minutes I forget they're there and they effectively seal up your wrists when wearing any kind of gloves. if you don't like them you don't have to use them but keep in mind the sleeves run long (another huge plus imo).

stranger
06-07-2013, 06:06
Hi, Im new to WB and just recently started planning my March 2014 thru hike. Ive been backpacking for a little over a year but have invested a good amount of time and effort into getting my system right.The longest trips I've taken to date are around 3-55 day trips so I'm worried I might be missing something that would work better for a thru hike on the AT. I intentionally left out a couple of clothing items such as a hat, shirt and insulating layer. I have not decided what Im going to buy to fill these roles. I also have a toiletries bag with tooth brush sport glide Dr bronners etc wich weighs 6 oz. Any advice will be appreciated.



Item

Name
Weight


Shelter
TT Moment DW
35.00


Pack
GG Vapor Trail reg.
35.00


Bag Liner
Silk Mummy
8.00


Sleeping Bag
Zpacks 30 D
15.00


Sleeping Pad
Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Wr
11.00


Rain Jacket
Columbia
10.00


Ground cloth
Cut down Eureka
5.80


Stove
MSR Pocket Rocket with case
3.90


Light Source
Princeton Remix headlamp
2.70


Water filter
Sawyer squeeze
3.50


Survival tin
Homemade, variable weight
0.00


Compass
Ndur with directions sheet
0.00


Water Bottle
Platypus 1 liter and .5 liter
1.60


Fire source
Bic Lighter x2
1.00


Socks
Darn tough x2
5.00


first aid kit
Homemade, variable weight
5.00


Cooking pot
Vargo 750 ml with cozy and sack
5.40


Pack liner
compactor bag
2.00


Spoon
Sea to Summit alloy long handle
0.50


Total Weight

9.4




I think you are gonna have some cold nights your first month or so, 15 ounce bag is realistically not going to be very warm, the Western Mountaineering Highlite is just 16 ounces and I've seen people freeze starting with that bag in mid April. Don't make the mistake of thinking that sleeping with your clothing on will help, this MAY help, but atleast in my experience, adding clothing does not help if my bag is not warm enough. Starting at Springer in March, it's not unlikely to see lows in the teens, I think it's great you have a complete shelter, but like I said think you will be VERY cold on some nights.

cjlusmc
06-07-2013, 07:33
Stranger, do you think I could get away with it if I add a down vest and use a silk bag liner?

stranger
06-07-2013, 09:32
For me that wouldn't work...adding clothing doesn't work for me, but some people claim it works for them.

Think of it this way, the purpose of a sleeping bag is to trap the warm air your body produces 'inside' the bag....so if you are sleeping in just light clothing for example, your body heat will not be restricted and you will warm up the bag. However, once you bundle up and hold that heat against your body, the body heat is restricted from getting out into the bag area. Less warm air to trap, means less warm AIR in the bag. So if the outside air is 20 degrees, and the inside air is say 90, you will be warmer than if the inside air is 70 because you are wearing clothing and restricting your ability to warm up the sleeping bag.

In theory, as hard as it can be to comprehend, it's likely you will be colder with more clothing on. For me this is true.

I think if you have a bag that does not to the job by itself, the best things you can do are:
- get a down hat/hood to wear to bed
- be inside a tent to avoid drafts
- place something like a down vest/jacket 'over' the top of the bag, on the outside - will likely slide off though
- wear down socks or good merino socks
- proper ground insulation
- eat just before bed if possible

If you decide to get a liner, I don't think the silk or sheet like liners do much except protect your bag from dirt and grime, the temp difference won't be much, they are more or less marketing points. I would experiment and see what works for you. But for many, many hikers...adding clothing will not work, it's a hard concept to grasp, but after 10-15 night of shivering all night long over my early years...I understand it well! Again, some people get away with adding clothing, so just see what works for you BEFORE you leave.

cjlusmc
06-07-2013, 11:24
Adding clothing is adding insulation between one's self and outside temperature at hand. From my experience, the only time that adding clothing causes people to be colder is when it causes them to sweat, thus increasing thermal convection between the body and outside air. I understand what you are trying to say about heating up a sleeping bad-that it will take longer with more clothes on, but ultimately it should result in being warmer. I know all the rest of the tricks such as wearing socks, eating before bed to start the metabolism etc), I'm just trying to see what I can do to avoid buying another costly piece of gear.

cjlusmc
06-07-2013, 12:14
Any one have any experience with the Under Ground Quilt company? Im liking the prices and the value that Im seeing in their product. Just want want to hear a little about customer service and craftsmanship if there is anyone with experience buying from them.

stranger
06-07-2013, 19:50
I agree that more clothing 'should' be warmer...what I'm saying is that in practice, it's often not warmer, just make sure you find that out before you leave because many hikers go to great lengths to save money prior to leaving, then drop $800 at Mountain Crossings 30 miles up the trail cause reality hits.

Sunwolf
06-08-2013, 13:37
I completely agree with this. When I first started backpacking I bought a 20 degree synthetic bag for shoulder seasons. I froze. I now take a -10 degree down bag. I just sleep cold. I couldn't have known this without testing my gear. Testing your gear is best done before Springer, not on the trail. Find out how cold/warm you sleep and what will make a difference, then pack for the lowest temperature you're likely to face. However, consider:

If you pack for 20 degrees (relying on all your clothing to keep you warm on the nights it gets that low) and you run into a cold spell and it drops to 0, you're in trouble. If you pack for 20 degrees (nekkid in your sleeping bag) and it drops to 0, you can make up some or all of the difference with clothing.

Of course also keep in mind what level of comfort you require. I require warmth when I sleep. I do not tolerate a cold night well. It leaves me weakened, physically and mentally. I pack warm. Some people go the other way. It all depends on how you are and what you're willing to put up with. No one can tell you these things. You need to test and re-test and find the sweet spot for you.

One suggestion I'd make if you're unwilling to spring for a new piece of gear (I totally understand) is to go to the nearest REI or local outfitter and see if you can rent some gear to test out. This'll give you a better idea of where you're at and where you need to be. Good luck! :)

cjlusmc
06-09-2013, 10:51
I've taken it below freezing and was good, but I'm not sure how far below. I will definitely be testing it this winter to see what my bad is capable of. I'm considering a light weight bivy, probably homemade sil nylon just to add a little more warmthand draft protection.

trailswag
06-18-2013, 16:57
I think you should just bring your entires CIF issue. :). But really are you doin the hike when you exit the Marine Corps. If so I hope to see you out there bro.

cjlusmc
06-18-2013, 20:44
I'm planning to do it march 2014 after I get out in february. Bring my whole CIF...lol I would never make be able to carry it all. Pretty sad that I've only used maybe 5% of that gear.

Anyways, I'll be out there so I hope to see you also.

trailswag
06-19-2013, 11:37
I'm planning to do it march 2014 after I get out in february. Bring my whole CIF...lol I would never make be able to carry it all. Pretty sad that I've only used maybe 5% of that gear.

Anyways, I'll be out there so I hope to see you also.
Well I happen to get out around that same time. I dont know if Id be able to complete a thru hike then but that would be great. Wish you the best of luck on it though

JohnG10
06-20-2013, 20:24
Ditch the bag liner. Replace with expedition weight fleece long john top and bottoms.

Bring active weight long john top and bottoms plus wind pants and a windbreaker to hike in. Some use their rain wear as wind wear. Rain wear is warmer in camp, but sweater when hiking.

Ditch the fleece jacket. Replace with a poly-fill "puffy" jacket. Switch to the fleece later in the season when the weather warms up.

Add some 200 weight fleece pants, puffy booties, and a mid weight balaclava (in addition to the medium-thick hat you use while hiking).

Start with a winter weight bag, or plan on wearing your puffy jacket, fleece pants, puffy booties and balaclava to bed every night, (and both pairs of long johns on some nights). A winter bag is easier to keep dry when it rains several days in a row.

Semper Fi

JohnG10
06-20-2013, 20:28
Forgot - also add liner gloves.

cjlusmc
06-20-2013, 22:01
Ditch the bag liner. Replace with expedition weight fleece long john top and bottoms.

Bring active weight long john top and bottoms plus wind pants and a windbreaker to hike in. Some use their rain wear as wind wear. Rain wear is warmer in camp, but sweater when hiking.

Ditch the fleece jacket. Replace with a poly-fill "puffy" jacket. Switch to the fleece later in the season when the weather warms up.

Add some 200 weight fleece pants, puffy booties, and a mid weight balaclava (in addition to the medium-thick hat you use while hiking).

Start with a winter weight bag, or plan on wearing your puffy jacket, fleece pants, puffy booties and balaclava to bed every night, (and both pairs of long johns on some nights). A winter bag is easier to keep dry when it rains several days in a row.

Semper Fi

I'm thinking about going mid weight smart wool top and bottom instead of bringing the liner. It will be more versatile for sure. Any good lightweight puffy jackets out there that you would recommend, hopefully without breaking bank?

flemdawg1
06-20-2013, 23:16
GOlite currently has theirs onsale.

cathyss2000
06-20-2013, 23:34
Amicalola Falls Trail kick off days for 2014 are March 7-9, if you want to avoid crowds probably don't want to start that weekend.

cjlusmc
06-21-2013, 06:49
I'm planning on going march 1st.

Butterfly58
06-21-2013, 09:20
I have an older Patagonia Puffball jacket, size M that was popular several years ago. I just weighed it and it weighs almost exactly 1 lb. So not exactly lightweight, although I think it was in its heyday. I'm going to have to replace it with a down jacket for my hike. Maybe that will give you something for comparison.

Sunwolf
06-24-2013, 11:37
Also look at Montbell's stuff. More expensive than golite but significantly lighter. I've found patagonia stuff to be good but way overpriced for what you get. ymmv